Addressing the pair at Newcastle Crown Court, Recorder Michael Slater told them: 'Between the pair of you, you punched him to the ground and each of you kicked him.

'As a result of that he sustained injuries to his head and knee and was left, to a certain extent, in a state of disability for a period of time.

'Whatever your argument was with him, he certainly did not deserve that at your hands.

'Were you some years older you would be going straight to custody today.

You are only saved by your age and what the author of the pre-sentence report puts before the court.'

Latimer, of Whitley Bay, and Polglase, of Newcastle, both pleaded guilty to unlawful wounding.

Latimer was given 12 months custody suspended for two years with supervision and 150 hours of unpaid work.

Polglase got nine months suspended for two years with supervision and 150 hours unpaid work.

Katherine Dunn, for Latimer, said: 'He wants to write a letter to the victim to explain how sorry he is and also to show the victim how he had changed his life around almost as a result of this offence.'

Tony Hawks, for Polglase, said: 'This was a disgraceful offence on any view but he has exhibited genuine remorse and insight for his behaviour.

'The victim chose to confront them, it’s not just two lads repeatedly kicking an elderly man in the street.'